Areas of agreement
Fifteen studies were included, all prospective studies, but only 2 were randomized controlled trials. Biological scaffolds were involved in 12 studies, 2 studies investigated synthetic scaffolds, whereas 1 remaining article presented data from the use of both classes of device. The mean modified CMS was 64.6.
Areas of controversy
Several demographic and biomechanical factors could influence the outcomes of this treatment modality.
Growing points
Partial replacement using both classes of scaffolds achieves significant and encouraging improved clinical results when compared with baseline values or with controls when present, without no adverse reaction related to the device.
Research
There is a need for more and better designed randomized trials, to confirm with a stronger level of evidence the promising preliminary results achieved by the current research.
